Meet Ciaran from the Claddagh.

The Great Grandnephew of the last "King of the Claddagh", Martin Oliver, Ciaran knows this area of Galway better than most. Growing up metres from the water's edge he had a childhood unlike many. While the rest of us used to spend our days cycling our beloved bikes, Ciaran and his friend, Shane, would be found rowing a small boat around the Claddagh Basin or jumping off Nimmo's Pier. From the age of ten he was helping his father out on the family fishing boat. Life on water is part of his heritage, from Galway Hookers to modern day boat trips, Ciaran is passionate about his area. 

Ciaran has worked for the Galway Fire Service for 18 years and is also one of the longest serving volunteer of the RNLI Galway Lifeboat Station (link here).  From saving swimmers being intimidated by a Dolphin at Blackrock to assisting search and rescue searches at sea on Galway Bay, Ciaran has  seen quite a bit. The risk involved in this environment is seen as minimalas the training received is of a very high standard. Ciaran believes that with a good crew that they are prepared for any scenario.

Community is a very important aspect of Ciaran's life. While he runs Galway Bay Boat tours (link here) he also likes to show his guests around the Claddagh and teach them about how this village outside the city walls survived. He is also a keen supporter of the Village Salthill and is quick to help out where he can.  

If you would like to know more about the history of the Claddagh please click here.